French History

French Wars of Religion

Conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France.

St. Bartholomew Massacre

Brutal event in 1572 where thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris.

War of the Three Henrys

Power struggle between King Henry III, Henry of Navarre, and Henry of Guise.

Henry IV of France

King of France after the Wars of Religion, issued the Edict of Nantes.

Edict of Nantes

Royal edict granting religious freedom to Protestants in France.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister to King Louis XIII, centralizing royal power.

Thirty Years War

Complex web of conflicts from 1618 to 1648, resulted in devastation and depopulation.

Treaty of Westphalia

Ended the Thirty Years War, established the principle of cuius regio, eius religio.

Louis XIV

Reigned over France from 1643 to 1715, known as the 'Sun King'.

Palace of Versailles

Political and cultural center of France, symbol of Louis XIV's power.

War of Devolution

War during Louis XIV's reign, aimed to gain territories.

Dutch War

War during Louis XIV's reign, aimed to gain territories.

War of the Spanish Succession

War caused by the passing of the King of Spain, Louis XIV believed his grandson was the rightful heir.

Peter the Great

Ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725, implemented transformative reforms and modernization efforts.

Table of Ranks

Restructured the nobility in Russia, faced resistance from traditionalists.